A commemorative postage stamp was released at the historic Kittur Rani Channamma Stage within the Kittur Fort premises to mark the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava.
About Kittur Rani Chennamma
Rani Chennamma was born in 1778 in Kakati, Belgaum (now Karnataka).
She was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery from an early age.
She married Mallasarja Desai, the ruler of Kittur, a small principality in Karnataka.
The Kittur Uprising (1824):
The British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son, Shivalingappa, as the rightful successor under the Doctrine of Lapse.
She declared war on the British in response to their annexation attempt.
In October 1824, she led the Kittur army against 20,000 British soldiers stationed near the Kittur Fort.
During the battle, British official John Thackery was killed, and the Company forces faced significant losses.
After initial resistance, British forces returned in December 1824 with a larger army.
Despite her courageous efforts, Rani Chennamma was captured along with her forces and imprisoned.
She was held captive in Bailhongal Fort, where she spent her remaining years. She died in captivity in 1829.
Legacy and Significance
Rani Chennamma is celebrated as one of the first women in Indian history to lead an anti-colonial uprising.
She is revered as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and resistance against colonial oppression.
She is honored in Kannada folklore, particularly through lavani (folk songs) that celebrate her bravery and sacrifice.
Statues have been erected across Karnataka, including a prominent one in Bengaluru’s Parliament House.
Doctrine of Lapse
Introduced by Lord Dalhousie in 1848, the Doctrine aimed at expanding British territories in India.
The policy was based on the principle that a princely state without a suitable heir should become part of the British Empire.
Applied to princely states where the ruler died without a natural or legally adopted male heir, enabling the British to annex those states.
The policy was seen as illegitimate by many Indian rulers and played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Several states annexed due to this Doctrine, include Satara (1848), Jaitpur (1849), Sambalpur (1849), Udaipur (1850), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
Prior to the Doctrine of Lapse, princely states had a traditional practice of selecting an heir from a group of candidates known as bhajans.
The policy was abandoned in 1859, two years after the end of the Company Rule in India.
PYQ:
[2013] Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
[2014] What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
To regulate East India Company’s trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
PM has participated in the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language.
What is Abhidhamma?
Abhidhamma means “Higher Teaching” or “Special Teaching” in Pali, one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka (Abhidhamma Pitaka) of Theravada Buddhism.
It offers a systematic and analytical exploration of mind and matter, delving deeper into Buddhist philosophy than the Sutta Pitaka.
The Abhidhamma explores mental states, consciousness, and psychological processes, providing a framework for understanding reality.
It is known for its technical and specialized vocabulary in Pali, such as:
Chitta (consciousness)
Chetasika (mental factors)
Rupa (materiality)
Nibbana (final liberation).
Abhidhamma Pitaka contains seven treatises, with Pannhana being one of the most notable for its analysis of causal relationships.
Traditionally, Buddha is believed to have taught the Abhidhamma to the gods in the Tavatimsa heaven, later sharing the teachings with his disciple Sariputta.
About International Abhidhamma Divas
It is celebrated Ashwin Purnima (Full Moon), to commemorate Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa-devaloka (a celestial realm) to Sankassiya (Sankisa Basantapur, UP).
It actually marks the conclusion of a 3-month rain retreat, known as Varsavasa or Vasa, during which monks remain in a single location for meditation and prayer.
The celebration involves Dhamma discourses, academic sessions, and exhibitions that connect ancient wisdom with modern spiritual practices.
Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, hosts the event, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Teachings of Abhidhamma
The Abhidhamma provides a detailed framework for understanding the mind, matter, and existence.
It addresses complex concepts like birth, death, and mental phenomena in a precise and abstract manner.
Abhidhamma is known for its analytical approach:
It categorizes mental states and emotions.
It explains causal relationships that determine mental and material phenomena.
The teachings cover topics like:
Moral and mental states
Aggregates (components of existence)
Causal links
Path to enlightenment.
Historical Background and Significance
Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the day when Lord Buddha returned to earth after teaching the Abhidhamma in the Tavatimsa realm.
The descent is marked by the Ashokan Elephant Pillar at Sankassiya, highlighting its historical significance.
The celebration coincides with the end of the Rainy Retreat (Vassa), a period of monastic seclusion, and the Pavarana festival, a time of mutual reflection among monks.
Classical Status to Pali Language
In 2024, the event holds special significance due to the recognition of Pali as a Classical Language by the Indian government.
Pali is the ancient language in which much of Buddhist canonical literature is written, including the Tipitaka.
Recognized as a Classical Language by the Government of India in 2024, alongside Marathi, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
Pali’s significance lies in its role as the medium for delivering Buddha’s teachings, especially the Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
The Tipitaka is composed of:
Vinaya Pitaka: Ethical rules for monks and nuns.
Sutta Pitaka: Discourses and teachings of Buddha.
Abhidhamma Pitaka: Detailed analysis of mental and physical phenomena.
Pali has a rich tradition of commentaries such as Atthasalini and Sammohavinodani, which aid in understanding Abhidhamma concepts.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2016] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to Enlightenment.
Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The 2024 Nobel Prize has been awarded to South Korean writer Han Kang for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”
Who is Han Kang?
Han Kang is a South Korean writer born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea.
She is known for her poetic and experimental writing style that confronts themes of historical trauma, violence, grief, and the fragility of human life.
After starting her literary career with poetry, she became widely recognized for her novels that address complex human emotions and the consequences of social and political structures.
Her Literary Works:
The Vegetarian (2007): This novel, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, revolves around a woman who decides to stop eating meat and faces extreme reactions from her family. The story explores themes of control, independence, and violence. It was her breakthrough novel, translated into English in 2015.
Human Acts (2016): Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, this novel tells the story of the massacre of protesting students by the South Korean military. Han Kang gives voice to the victims of history with a style that is both experimental and visionary.
The White Book (2017): An elegy dedicated to a sibling who passed away shortly after birth. The novel is a meditation on grief, narrated through white objects, symbolizing loss and memory.
Greek Lessons (2023): This novel, first published in Korean in 2011, tells the story of a woman who loses her ability to speak and her teacher, who is losing his sight. The novel explores loss, intimacy, and the connection between language and identity.
We Do Not Part (2025, forthcoming): This upcoming novel focuses on two women confronting a hidden massacre in Korean history from the 1940s. It explores how trauma can be transformed into art.
Citation for Nobel Prize 2024
The Swedish Academy’s official bio-bibliography highlights her ability to create universal narratives using a poetic and radical imagination.
Han Kang is praised for addressing patriarchy, violence, and historical injustices, while also examining the connections between body and soul and the living and the dead.
The academy notes that she has become an innovator in contemporary prose, showing how literature can speak the truth through her powerful and experimental style.
Recent Nobel Prizes in Literature:
2023: Jon Fosse (Norway) for his innovative minimalistic plays and prose, focusing on the human condition.
2022: Annie Ernaux (France) for her courageous exploration of personal and collective memory.
2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah (Tanzania) for his compassionate depictions of colonialism and migration.
2020: Louise Gluck (USA) for her deeply personal poetry that resonates universally.
Rabindranath Tagore: Won the Nobel Prize in 1913 for “Gitanjali,” becoming the first non-European laureate in Literature, recognized for his sensitive and spiritual poetry.
Madhya Pradesh CM chaired a meeting in honour of the 16th century tribal queen Rani Durgavati on her 500th birth anniversary.
Rani Durgavati (1524-1564)
Rani Durgavati was born in 1524 in the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba (present-day Uttar Pradesh).
She married Dalpat Shah, son of Gond King Sangram Shah of the Garha-Katanga kingdom.
After her husband’s death in 1550, she ruled the kingdom as regent for her young son, Bir Narayan.
Her role against the Mughals:
Rani Durgavati expanded her kingdom and ruled with prosperity, shifting her capital to Chauragarh for strategic advantage.
In 1564, the Mughal general Asaf Khan, under Emperor Akbar, attacked her kingdom.
She led her forces bravely and initially defeated the Mughals in a strategic battle at Narhi.
To avoid capture, she sacrificed her life, becoming a symbol of courage and resistance.
Her contributions
Rani Durgavati is remembered for her bravery, administrative skills, and martyrdom.
She carried out public works, including the construction of Ranital, a reservoir near Jabalpur.
Celebrated as a symbol of self-determination, especially for tribal communities.
She is honored in Indian history as a patriotic ruler who resisted Mughal expansion, with various political and cultural tributes dedicated to her legacy.
September 28th marks 117th birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter “Bhagat Singh”.
Who wasBhagat Singh?
Details
Birth
September 28, 1907; Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
Family
Came from a family involved in anticolonial activities; his father Kishan Singh and uncle Ajit Singh were active freedom fighters.
Affiliations
• Hindustan Republican Association (1924)
• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (1928)
• Naujawan Bharat Sabha (1926)
Revolutionary Actions
• Played a key role in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1928) by avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death and mistakenly killing J.P. Saunders
• Threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on April 8, 1929, with B.K. Dutt, to protest oppressive British laws.
Ideologies and Principles
• Advocated Marxist and socialist ideologies
• Rejected religion in his essay Why I Am an Atheist
• Emphasized rationalism, equality, and justice.
Arrest and Trial
Arrested in 1929 for throwing a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly; later rearrested for the Lahore Conspiracy Case (murder of J.P. Saunders).
Jinnah opposed a 1929 Bill allowing trials in absentia, delivering a strong speech in the Central Assembly.
Execution
Hanged on March 23, 1931, along with Sukhdev and Rajguru, in Lahore for his revolutionary activities.
Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose visited Bhagat Singh in prison.
Literary Works
Bhagat Singh was fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and English, and familiar with Sanskrit.
His jail notebook referenced thinkers like Karl Marx, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, and others, reflecting his intellectual diversity.
At 17, he wrote Vishwa Prem (Universal Love), advocating for universal brotherhood and equality.
He urged the oppressed classes to rebel against the social order and spoke about the philosophy of revolution in his writings, such as What is Revolution? (1929).
In his series What is Anarchism? he described organized religion and the state as forms of mental and physical slavery.
He wrote about the power of love in a 1929 letter to Sukhdev, emphasizing its role in personal and political strength.
PYQ:
[2020] Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
September 25 marks the 108th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of the most influential thinkers of India’s right-wing movement.
AboutPandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916-1968)
Details
Born
• September 25, 1916 in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
• Antyodaya Diwas is observed on this day since 2014.
Affiliations
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)
Political Role
• One of the key leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)
• Served as President of BJS
Key Contributions
• Founder of the Integral Humanism philosophy
• Introduced the concept of Antyodaya for the upliftment of the poorest
• Promoted self-reliance (Swadeshi) and decentralization of power
Doctrine of ‘Antyodaya’
• Antyodaya means “upliftment of the last person in society.”
• It focuses on improving the living conditions of the poorest and most marginalized sections of society.
• Upadhyaya believed that true development can only be measured by the welfare of the weakest sections, promoting policies aimed at economic, social, and educational inclusion of these groups.
Legacy
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana inspired by his ideas
• In 2015, NRLM was renamed Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM.
Death
February 11, 1968, under mysterious circumstances in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh
On September 20, 1932, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast unto death in Yerawada Jail, Pune, to protest against the provision of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes.
Gandhi vs Ambedkar on Caste
Gandhi’s Views on Caste: Initially orthodox, Gandhi supported social prohibitions like restrictions on inter-dining and inter-marriage but later rejected untouchability, referring to untouchables as “Harijans.” However, he did not reject the institution of caste itself, as it was tied to Hindu religious practices.
Ambedkar’s Radical Approach: Ambedkar believed that to truly abolish caste, one needed to attack the divine authority of the Hindu scriptures (shastras) that justified it. He argued that reforms short of rejecting the religious basis of caste were insufficient.
Ambedkar’s strategy was to focus on lower castes achieving political power to challenge their subjugation within the Hindu social order.
Ambedkar’s Argument for Separate Electorates
Distinct Identity of Depressed Classes: Ambedkar argued that the Depressed Classes (Scheduled Castes) formed a distinct group, separate from the Hindus. Despite being part of Hindu society, they did not enjoy equal treatment and were subject to systemic oppression.
Political Machinery for Representation: Ambedkar advocated for separate electorates with a double vote system, where Scheduled Castes would vote for their own candidates as well as in the general electorate.
Protection from Majority Rule: Ambedkar warned that joint electorates would allow the Hindu majority to control the election of Dalit representatives, making it impossible for lower castes to effectively protect their interests against the tyranny of the majority.
Why Gandhi Opposed Separate Electorates
Integration of Lower Castes: Gandhi opposed separate electorates because he believed they would marginalize lower castes further.
Instead of being restricted to a limited share of seats, Gandhi thought lower castes should aim for broader participation in political leadership.
Fear of Dividing Hindu Society: Gandhi feared that separate electorates would divide Hindu society, further weakening it.
He believed this division would help the British continue their “divide and rule” policy, undermining India’s struggle for independence.
Strategic Concerns: The introduction of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes, in addition to those for Muslims, would fragment the Hindu political base, reducing the power and influence of upper-caste Hindu leadership.
Culmination of the Debate: The Poona Pact
Gandhi’s Fast: In 1932, Gandhi went on a fast unto death to oppose separate electorates, pressuring Ambedkar to concede. Ambedkar, despite his misgivings, agreed to the Poona Pact, which provided for reserved seats for Scheduled Castes but within a joint electorate.
Ambedkar’s Dissatisfaction: Ambedkar was never fully satisfied with the outcome, believing the joint electorate allowed upper-caste Hindus to nominate Dalit representatives, effectively controlling their political voice.
Conclusion: The Gandhi-Ambedkar debate on caste culminated in the Poona Pact, with Gandhi opposing separate electorates to maintain Hindu unity, while Ambedkar sought political power for lower castes. Though Ambedkar agreed, he remained dissatisfied with the compromise.
Mains PYQ:
Q Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (UPSC IAS/2015)
127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12.
About the Battle of Saragarhi
The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals.
The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi, connecting Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan).
Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the Sikhs fought to the last man, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history.
Despite their bravery, the soldiers were eventually outnumbered and killed.
Their sacrifice gave the British time to strengthen positions at Fort Lockhart and Gulistan, halting enemy advances.
Implication of the Battle
The Sikh soldiers showed extraordinary courage, fighting against overwhelming odds.
The 21 soldiers killed around 200 militants and injured 600, holding the enemy for seven hours.
The British Government posthumously awarded all 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit.
The battle highlighted the importance of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice, and underscored the role of Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army.
PYQ:
[2020] Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:
(a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
(b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
(c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
(d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India
The Prime Minister has paid homage to the great Maharaja of Tripura Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his birth anniversary.
Who wasMaharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur?
Details
Reign
1923 – 1947
Birth
August 19, 1908
Contributions to Tripura
– Modernized Tripura with infrastructure and educational reforms.
– Planned and designed the city of Agartala, earning the title “Architect of Modern Tripura.”-He took initiatives to explore tea cultivation and established several tea estates in Tripura.
Education and Infrastructure
– Established schools, colleges, and hospitals.
– He was instrumental in establishing the first airport in Tripura, the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, which greatly improved connectivity and facilitated economic growth
Social Reforms
Introduced land reforms, granted land rights to indigenous people, and worked to abolish untouchability.
Maharaja Bir Bikram was a patron of the arts and culture, supporting various cultural activities and institutions.
Military Role
Supported the British during World War II.
Legacy
Died on May 17, 1947
Remembered as a visionary ruler who played a crucial role in shaping modern Tripura.
PYQ:
[2022] The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (250 words, 15 marks)
[2007] Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the following states as full states of the Indian Union?
PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century. (UPSC IAS/2017) Q Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian Soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better-equipped armies of the then-Indian rulers? Give reasons. (UPSC IAS/2022)
Note4Students:
Subject: GS I (Modern India)
Mains: Significance of Red Fort Trial
Mentor comments: The Red Fort trials, held in 1945-46, were a significant event in India’s struggle for independence. The British colonial government prosecuted key members of the Indian National Army (INA), including Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, charging them with waging war against the King. Despite the government’s expectation of public disdain, the trials ignited widespread support for the INA, leading to national demonstrations. The defendants were ultimately found guilty but received lenient sentences, which further fueled the independence movement and contributed to the eventual end of British rule in India.
Why in the news?
Decades after the Red Fort trial, it is hoped that India’s leaders will once again find the wisdom to commit themselves to what unites us as a people.
About the Red Fort Trial:
The Red Fort Trial, also known as the Indian National Army (INA) trials, was a series of court-martials held by the British colonial government in India between November 1945 and May 1946. The trials were held at the Red Fort in Delhi, and they are among the most significant events in the final years leading up to India’s independence.
Background:
Indian National Army (INA): The INA was formed by Indian nationalists during World War II under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose. It was composed primarily of Indian prisoners of war who had been captured by the Japanese in Southeast Asia and was aligned with the Axis powers to fight against British rule in India.
The objective of the INA: The INA aimed to overthrow British rule in India through military means, and it played a key role in the campaigns in Burma and the Indian Northeast during the war.
British Reaction: After World War II ended, the British captured several INA soldiers and officers. The British decided to make an example of the INA by trying its officers for treason, murder, and other charges.
Protests that spread across India
Widespread National Support: Protests erupted in multiple cities, including Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Lahore, Bombay, Patna, and Lucknow, with people from all religious and social backgrounds uniting to demand justice for the INA officers.
Role of Congress and Muslim League: Both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League supported the INA officers, with leaders from both parties actively participating in and encouraging the protests, showcasing rare political unity against British colonial rule.
Slogans and Symbols of Unity: Protesters chanted slogans like “Laal Quila se aayi aawaaz, Sahgal, Dhillon, Shahnawaaz!” and “Hindu-Muslim Unity Zindabad!”, while the flags of both Congress and the Muslim League were prominently displayed, emphasizing the nationalistic fervour and unity.
Violent Clashes and Sacrifices: The protests were met with brutal police repression in several cities, particularly in Madras and Calcutta, where police firing led to significant casualties—five in Madras and 97 in Calcutta—highlighting the intense opposition to British rule and the high cost of the struggle for independence.
Why is it so significant?
National Unity Across Religious Lines: The trial involved three officers of the Indian National Army (INA)—a Hindu (Prem Kumar Sahgal), a Muslim (Shah Nawaz Khan), and a Sikh (Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon). This symbolized the inclusive and secular nature of India’s struggle for independence.
Mobilization of Public Sentiment: The INA officers were seen as heroes who had fought for India’s freedom, despite the controversial alliance with the Axis powers. Their prosecution by the British was widely perceived as unjust, leading to mass protests, strikes, and demonstrations.
Challenge to British Moral Authority: The trial highlighted the declining legitimacy of British rule in India. The British attempted to portray the INA officers as traitors, but the Indian public saw them as patriots fighting for their country’s freedom.
Catalyst for Independence Movement: The trial also demonstrated the effectiveness of public mobilization and protest in challenging colonial authority, inspiring further actions that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.
Conclusion: The Red Fort Trials, featuring INA officers, ignited widespread protests and highlighted national unity, challenging British legitimacy. They symbolized India’s resolve for independence, accelerating the end of colonial rule.
![[15th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The trial that progressed rapidly towards Independence](https://www.civilsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15-Aug-1568x882.jpg)